Ayotte Statement Regarding Reported Deployment of Russian Troops to Ukraine Border

Statement

U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) released the following statement today following reports that Russia has deployed 10,000 to 12,000 troops to its border with eastern Ukraine:

"The Ukrainian people are willing to risk their lives to defend their country against Putin's aggression, but the Ukrainian government desperately needs assistance.

"Each new warning and speech from President Obama has barely elicited a shrug from Putin as he has continued to support separatists, send troops to the Ukrainian border, and conduct covert military operations in Ukraine.

"In his June 4 speech in Poland, President Obama said, "Our free nations will stand united so that further Russian provocations will only mean more isolation and costs for Russia.'

"With Moscow's latest reported deployment of 10,000-12,000 Russian troops to the eastern Ukrainian border and threats of "irreversible consequences' for Ukraine, it's time for the Obama administration to match its words with actions when it comes to standing with the Ukrainian people against Putin's aggression.

"Once again, I call on the administration to immediately impose the toughest possible sanctions against Moscow's financial, defense, and energy sectors and to provide increased military assistance to Kyiv-including anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons-in order to enable the people of Ukraine and their newly elected democratic government to defend themselves against Russian aggression.

"With the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Middle East, Putin thinks the U.S. is distracted and that he can get away with further aggression in Ukraine. We must demonstrate this is not the case."

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